Human Rights Watch has released a new report highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms in Bangladesh following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's authoritarian government by mass protests in August 2024. The report draws attention to the ongoing arbitrary arrests and retaliatory violence, underscoring the pressing need for change.

The 50-page report, titled, "After the Monsoon Revolution: A Roadmap to Lasting Security Sector Reform in Bangladesh," outlines key recommendations aimed at tackling the country's long-standing political repression. It emphasises the necessity of reforms focused on separating powers and ensuring political neutrality in vital institutions, including the judiciary, civil service, police, and military.

Although the interim government has made notable progress in fostering institutional accountability, Human Rights Watch cautions that this progress could be at risk without swift, comprehensive reforms that guarantee enduring democratic governance.

"Nearly 1,000 Bangladeshis lost their lives fighting for democracy, ushering in a landmark opportunity to build a rights-respecting future in Bangladesh," Asia director Elaine Pearson at Human Rights Watch stated. "This hard-won progress could all be lost if the interim government does not create swift and structural reforms that can withstand any repression by future governments."

Since taking office, interim government adviser Muhammad Yunus, appointed by student activists after the departure of Sheikh Hasina, has expressed a commitment to implementing significant reforms. The interim government has vowed to end harmful practices such as extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. Six commissions have been formed to address vital areas such as the electoral system, justice system, public administration, police, anti-corruption efforts, and constitutional reform. Yunus is expected to begin putting these recommendations into action in February.

The interim government is encouraged to present a resolution at the upcoming United Nations Human Rights Council session in March to ensure continued monitoring and reporting on Bangladesh's human rights situation. Human Rights Watch has called on international donor governments to support these security sector reforms, though they have warned against doing so without meaningful structural changes.

Despite these efforts, the transition to democracy has faced challenges. Human Rights Watch has reported a rise in abuses by security forces, explicitly targeting former supporters of the Awami League. Arbitrary detentions, widespread complaints against unnamed individuals, and intimidation tactics persist.

In just two months, over 1,000 police cases have been filed against tens of thousands of people, mostly Awami League members. Additionally, more than 400 ministers and leaders from the former ruling party are under investigation.